"[2] While still at WNEP, Shimkus earned a master's degree in theology from Antietam Bible College in 1993 and a doctorate in biblical studies from the same institution two years later.
[3] Shimkus resigned from WYOU in March 2006 to run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, winning a 5-way Democratic primary to succeed the retiring Gaynor Cawley in a district that included almost 60 percent of Scranton.
Midway through his term, he moved in with his fiancee in Throop on the advice of his doctors, who suggested he shouldn't live alone after suffering several concussions.
Nevertheless, a Commonwealth Court judge granted the petition on March 14, 2008; finding that Shimkus intentionally misrepresented his address.
Due to FCC regulations Shimkus resigned as Throop Mayor a year later in order to take a talk radio position at WILK.
Wanting to spend more time with his 6 young children, Shimkus retired from WILK radio in late 2022 after about 5 years on the job.